A
Anonymous
Guest
Ford fans like to identify the DuraSpark modules
by their grommet color (where the wires enter the
module). There are RED, BLACK, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE
and even ORANGE ones.
The 200 engine usually has modules with BLUE grommets.
These have 2 connectors on them, one for the power
and one for the distributor pickup. These are good,
reliable replacements for point-type units, especially
when used with Ford coils.
The high-performance models have a YELLOW grommet.
These have 3 connectors on them: the extra 3-pin plug
connects to an ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE SENSOR, although
the module will work fine without this extra gadget.
Ford used 2 types of these pressure sensors. One type
has 1 vacuum hose connection on it and the other has 2.
The one with 1 connection is the "absolute pressure" or
"barometric pressure" type. The other is a "relative
pressure" type. Both are useful for different things.
The 1-hose type is common on high-altitude Fords and
helps correct for thin atmosphere. The other was found
on Lincolns and Mercurys everywhere. These sensors are
really just vacuum switches.
The sensors work like this: when the sensor is plugged
into the module, it advances timing 2 degrees over the
regular static setting. When high vacuum is applied to
the sensor, it causes the DuraSpark module to
electronically advance the timing (about 4-6 degrees).
When this vacuum goes away, the timing drops back to
'nominal' (i.e., 2 degrees of advance) after about 3
seconds. This was designed for emission controls.
You can use this to either improve your gas mileage or
improve your HP. To improve gas mileage, connect a 1-hose
switch to MANIFOLD vacuum for extra advance during light
throttle (in-town) driving. To improve HP, connect it
to THROTTLE PORT vacuum and retard your static timing
by about 2-4 degrees (for instance, if your normal stock
advance is 6 degrees, use 4 instead).
Using the 2-hose sensor is slightly more complicated: one
hose goes to the vacuum source you wish to use and the
other can be left open or run to the opposite vacuum
type. Watch the action with your timing light: if the
spark is not advanced at idle, then you are connected
for extra HP. If it does advance at idle, you're
connected for better MPG. Connecting the ON side to
manifold and the OFF side to port vacuum will improve
mileage while retarding spark slightly under heavy
throttle, which can help with high compression ratios.
by their grommet color (where the wires enter the
module). There are RED, BLACK, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE
and even ORANGE ones.
The 200 engine usually has modules with BLUE grommets.
These have 2 connectors on them, one for the power
and one for the distributor pickup. These are good,
reliable replacements for point-type units, especially
when used with Ford coils.
The high-performance models have a YELLOW grommet.
These have 3 connectors on them: the extra 3-pin plug
connects to an ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE SENSOR, although
the module will work fine without this extra gadget.
Ford used 2 types of these pressure sensors. One type
has 1 vacuum hose connection on it and the other has 2.
The one with 1 connection is the "absolute pressure" or
"barometric pressure" type. The other is a "relative
pressure" type. Both are useful for different things.
The 1-hose type is common on high-altitude Fords and
helps correct for thin atmosphere. The other was found
on Lincolns and Mercurys everywhere. These sensors are
really just vacuum switches.
The sensors work like this: when the sensor is plugged
into the module, it advances timing 2 degrees over the
regular static setting. When high vacuum is applied to
the sensor, it causes the DuraSpark module to
electronically advance the timing (about 4-6 degrees).
When this vacuum goes away, the timing drops back to
'nominal' (i.e., 2 degrees of advance) after about 3
seconds. This was designed for emission controls.
You can use this to either improve your gas mileage or
improve your HP. To improve gas mileage, connect a 1-hose
switch to MANIFOLD vacuum for extra advance during light
throttle (in-town) driving. To improve HP, connect it
to THROTTLE PORT vacuum and retard your static timing
by about 2-4 degrees (for instance, if your normal stock
advance is 6 degrees, use 4 instead).
Using the 2-hose sensor is slightly more complicated: one
hose goes to the vacuum source you wish to use and the
other can be left open or run to the opposite vacuum
type. Watch the action with your timing light: if the
spark is not advanced at idle, then you are connected
for extra HP. If it does advance at idle, you're
connected for better MPG. Connecting the ON side to
manifold and the OFF side to port vacuum will improve
mileage while retarding spark slightly under heavy
throttle, which can help with high compression ratios.